Self-Anchoring Base for a Sports Field

ABSTRACT

A self-anchoring base for use on a baseball playing field comprises a platform having an anchoring means extending from the underside thereof for embedded engagement in the playing field. A protective cover surrounds the platform. The anchor means comprises two or more spikes spaced apart from one another. The two or more spikes are fastened to the platform by a mounting assembly defining a spike socket for each of the spikes. The self-anchoring base further comprises a cushioning material disposed on the top side of the platform under the protective cover. The self-anchoring base can be used as a standard stationary base. Alternatively, it can be used as a break away base by installing shorter spikes in the spike sockets.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to bases for sports fields used in the games of baseball, softball, and the like.

Baseball bases have been around since the invention of the game. A baseball field, also called a ball field or a baseball diamond, is the field upon which the game of baseball is played. The starting point for much of the action on the field is home plate, which is a five-sided slab of whitened rubber. The other three corners of the square, in counterclockwise order from home plate, are called first base, second base, and third base. Three bases fifteen inches (38 cm) square mark the three base positions. These bases, along with home plate, form the four points at the corners of the infield. Single bases are typically constructed to a standard size 15″×15″ and roughly 2″ to 3″ in height at the centre. More recently, in some leagues, a “safety base” is used at first base which is one 15″×30″ base and is half white (15″×15″) and typically the other half “safety” side is orange (15″×15″). This allows the runner to step on his/her side of the base (orange) while the defensive player uses the white side of the base to make their play thus minimizing the chance of collision or accident at the base.

The anchoring of the bases has evolved over time, but the options are still limited and somewhat archaic and challenging to install. There are two common styles of bases and anchoring methods.

The first style is a firm rubber base that is inserted into a hollow receiver that is permanently embedded within the playing surface of the field. The base has a post permanently affixed to the center bottom of the base. The post of the base is inserted into the hollow receiver to secure the base in position on the playing field. The most recognizable arena for these bases is in high level and professional leagues.

An optional variation of this method, at the amateur level, is that the post is detachable from the base when an excessive force is applied to it horizontally allowing the base to separate from the anchored post. This is familiarly known as a “break away” or “quick release” style base and is designed for the safety of the player sliding into the base. The “break away” functionality is typically achieved using magnets and metal plates, though other means may exist. There is still a remaining anchor left in the area where the player is sliding, after the base slides out of the way, and the anchor can also be a source of player injury. Over time, on the quick release type, the magnets become less effective due to dirt and scratching of the surface. This in itself creates additional safety concerns as now the base is not as well anchored and can slide off its anchor with a player just running over the top of it causing potential injury to the runner or player in the area.

There are drawbacks to using a style of firm rubber base. The bases are typically made of a solid rubber surface providing no “give” or softness to the base. When players running over or sliding into the solid rubber base the impact can cause twisted ankles or jammed hip and knees. Additionally, a player's foot may slip off the solid firm surface, also risking injury.

The use of a receiver permanently embedded in the surface of the playing field also has disadvantages. Over time the embedded receivers fill with dirt and must be cleaned out to allow the base and its post to be inserted to the proper depth. The installation of the base requires parts and tools. A cap is needed to cover the opening of the receiver when the base is not installed, and a cleaning tool is needed to remove dirt and debris from the receiver to install the post of the base into the permanently embedded receiver on occasion. If either of these items become lost or damaged they must be replaced in order to effectively use the base and anchor system.

In colder climates the receivers embedded in the ground during winter months may move and shift due to frost and freeze/thaw cycles of the ground. Shifting of the permanently embedded receivers may result in the need to remove and reset the receivers, a job which typically requires excavating the area of the playing field around the base.

The embedded receivers for the bases are permanently positioned at set locations which correspond to distances between bases that are dictated by players' leagues. The positions of the bases cannot be adjusted to facilitate the use of the playing field by teams from different leagues and base distances without installation of additional receivers embedded in the ground.

The mounting of the post to the base may fail over time due to weld failure, rubber tears etc. from horizontal forces applied to the base when players slide into the bases.

A second type of base and anchor system employs a base composed of a bag having a foam core with an upholstered covering, typically vinyl that incorporates fabric straps that enter into the side of the base through an opening, run inside the covering and exit the opposite side. The fabric straps are then taken under the base externally and fastened together by means of a buckle type arrangement to join the strap ends together. Some styles use two straps, perpendicular to each other, and the straps create a cross pattern on the bottom of the base. Attached to these straps is a bent wire metal fastener that can be slipped over the strap on one end and has a tight rolled wire end that allows a large spike to be hammered through. This is how the base is anchored to the surface, by using either one or two spikes is most common. In essence the spikes anchor the metal wire clips to the ground, the clips hold the straps, and the straps hold the bases.

There are several drawbacks with this is style of base and anchoring. First, being an upholstered item, it is vulnerable to seam failure of the covering. The foam core can become waterlogged if the base has prolonged exposure to water. Water damage is particularly problematic after prolonged use when the seams of the covering become worn and begin to fail. The straps are prone to breaking due to the shear forces of runners sliding into the base. Strap failure can also occur if the straps are pulled on to remove the anchoring spikes from the ground. The base anchoring system is then useless without repair or replacement of the straps.

A hammer or mallet is required to hammer the spike, or spikes, into the ground to hold the straps of the base in place. This becomes particularly an issue when the ground is hard and dry as the spikes are difficult to hammer in. When the hammer is missing the base cannot be installed without an alternate striking object. Often the only available substitute on the playing field is a baseball bat. Striking a spike with a bat is not only inefficient, but it can also damage the bat.

The safety aspect of the anchor is an issue when players slide into bases. If a player catches his/her foot on a spike in the ground, severe injuries can result. Likewise, worn or broken straps can permit the base to shift as runners make contact with the base, potentially causing the player to slip off the base and stumble or fall.

In summary, the known base and anchor systems are time consuming and difficult to install. Installation and maintenance require the use of extra equipment. The systems are susceptible to wear and tear with repeated use and require frequent maintenance, repair, and replacement.

There is a need for a base which is capable of self anchoring without the use of external spikes or embedded receivers. Such a base could be easily installed in any desired location (to facilitate multiple uses of the same playing field for different league play) and removed from the playing field after use. It would be advantageous to have a base which can be installed and removed without the use of any tools.

There is a need for a base which minimizes the risk of injury to players eliminating hard surfaces, exposed anchors, and poorly fastened bases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A self-anchoring base for use on a playing field comprises a platform having a top side and an underside. An anchoring means extends from the underside of the platform for embedded engagement in the playing field. A protective cover surrounds the platform. The anchor means comprises two or more spikes spaced apart from one another. The two or more spikes are symmetrically arrayed on the platform. The two or more spikes are fastened to the platform by a fastening means. The fastening means comprises a mounting assembly defining a spike socket for each of the spikes. The mounting assembly comprises the socket plate defining the spike socket. The mounting assembly further comprises a support plate for attachment to the socket plate sandwiching the platform therebetween. The self-anchoring base further comprises a cushioning material disposed on the top side of the platform under the protective cover. The protective cover of the self-anchoring base is seamless and waterproof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self-anchoring base for playing field accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the underside of the platform of the self-anchoring base. Line A-A on FIG. 2 shows the position of the section line used to generate FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a cross section through the entire self-anchoring to show the inner structures thereof.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the self anchoring base installed on a playing field.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, a self-anchoring base for use on a playing field is illustrated and identified by general reference numeral 10. The base 10 has a platform 12 which has a top side 14 and an underside 16. The platform 12 of the base 10 should be solid and, preferably, the platform should be substantially rigid. The platform can be constructed from high grade plywood, hard rubber, or other suitable solid material.

As best seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 an anchoring means 18 extends from the underside 16 of the platform 12 for embedded engagement in the playing field 20. The anchoring means 18 comprises two or more spikes 22 spaced apart from one another. Preferably, the two or more spikes 22 are symmetrically arrayed on the platform 12. The specific number of spikes 22 arrayed on the platform 12 is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It is; however, preferred to have two or more spikes, as a base constructed with only a single spike extending from the platform might spin around the single spike when a player runs over or slides into the base. If the base were to shift position in these circumstances it could pose a slip and stumble risk to players. The spikes 22 should be arrayed symmetrically on the platform 12 to ensure that the platform 12 remains balanced and does not otherwise shift. A standard baseball base is typically 15 inches by 15 inches. The preferred number of spikes to anchor a platform of this size is four, and the four spikes would typically be arrayed adjacent to the four corners of the platform. Double bases, also known as safety bases, are 15 inches by 30 inches, and could typically be secured by four spikes also.

It may be possible to construct the self-anchoring base 10 having the anchoring means 18 formed integrally with the platform 12. Such a platform 12 and anchoring means 18 could be cast from metal or hard rubber. Alternatively, it could be molded.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spikes 22 are fastened to the platform 12 by a fastening means 24. A variety of different types of fastening means 24 could be employed in the present invention. The determination of which fastening means 24 would be appropriate would depend upon the nature of the materials from which the platform 12 and the spikes 22 were constructed. For example, with a metal platform and metal spikes an appropriate fastening means 24 might be welded or magnetic in nature. In other instances suitable fastening means might include riveting, gluing or other methods.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fastening means 24 is a mounting assembly 26 which defines a spike socket 28 for each of the spikes 22. The mounting assembly 26 could be a single structure which is attached to the platform 12 and which defines a plurality of spike sockets 28. Alternatively, a plurality of mounting assemblies could be attached to the platform 12, each mounting assembly defining a single spike socket 28. FIG. 2 shows the use of four mounting assemblies, with one mounting assembly 26 positioned adjacent to each corner of the platform 12. Each mounting assembly 26 comprises a socket plate 30 defining the spike socket 28 attached to the underside 16 of the platform 12. The spike socket 28 is a heavy duty threaded receiver which allows a high grade threaded spike 22 to be threadingly installed therein. For added strength and stability, a support plate 32 may be positioned on the top side 14 of the platform 12. The socket plate 30 and the support plate 32 are fastened to one another using bolts 44 and T-nuts 47, effectively sandwiching the platform 12 therebetween. The mounting assembly 26 then relies on the strength of the bolts 44 to secure the spike sockets 28 to the platform 12. Although the bolts 44 pass through holes 42 in the platform there is no reliance on engagement of fasteners with the substrate of the platform itself. This eliminates the potential for shear forces to cause wear at the points of contact between the bolts and the substrate of the platform. In less preferred embodiments other known fastening means could be substituted.

The spikes 22 are typically constructed of a high grade alloy steel or similar material, and they have a diameter between ⅛ inches to 1 inch. Preferably, ¼ inch diameter spikes are used. A typical length is approximately 2½ inches long, including ¾ inch of thread. The exposed end of each spike 22 is preferably bull nosed to avoid sharp edges which could cause injury. Various combinations of material and spike diameter could be used so long as the combination is sufficient to withstand the shear forces which result from a player running or sliding into the base 10 during game play. The length of the spikes 22 can be adjusted to suit individual needs but the standard extension length of a spike 22 provides approximately 1.5 inches extending from the bottom of the base. Moreover, so long as the spike sockets 28 are constructed to a standard diameter, the user will have the option to insert spikes 22 of different lengths into the spike sockets. This allows the base 10 to be used on different types of diamond surfaces. Some baseball diamonds are very sandy or have loose particulate material and may require longer spikes to fasten them securely without movement. Other diamonds are very hard, and users may prefer shorter spikes.

A protective cover 34 surrounds the platform 12. The protective cover 34 of the self-anchoring base 10 is seamless and waterproof. The protective cover 34 is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of: vinyl, plastic, rubber, para-aramid, and urethane. The protective cover 34 preferably has a non-slip surface so that a player's shoes will not slide off of the base 10 during game play. The non-slip surface may be achieved as a property of the selected material from which the protective cover 34 is constructed. Alternatively, the protective cover may be treated to provide a somewhat textured surface to permit improved traction.

The self-anchoring base 10 further comprises a cushioning material 36 disposed on the top side 14 of the platform 12 under the protective cover 34. The cushioning material 36 can consist of a gel, foam, or other suitable resilient material. The particular thickness and density of the cushioning material 36 is variable depending upon the desired thickness and firmness. As can be seen in FIG. 3, an upholstery layer 38 can be applied over the cushioning material 36 and fastened to the underside 16 of the platform 12 with staples, adhesives, or other means to prevent the cushioning material 36 from shifting relative to the platform 12.

Likewise, the underside 16 of the platform 12 may be covered with a fabric or vinyl bottom covering 40 and secured to the platform by adhesives, staples, or other means. Through this bottom covering 40 the spike sockets 28 can be located and holes made through the covering 40 to insert the spikes 22 into the spike sockets 28. The protective cover 34 which surrounds the platform 12 also covers the cushioning material 36, the upholstery layer 38 and the bottom covering 40 which may be applied to the underside 16 of the platform 12.

The preferred embodiment of self-anchoring base 10 is manufactured around the platform 12 which is constructed from a high grade piece of ½ inch thick plywood, or a similar product which is capable of mounting metal anchors and accepting staples to fasten an upholstered fabric. The finished base 10 is typically 15″ inches×15″ inches (the standard size of single baseball bases) so the platform 12 is cut slightly smaller and built up with the other materials to the finished size. Adjacent each corner of the platform 12 multiple holes 42 are drilled that accept screws 44 or other fasteners to install the socket plate 30 on the underside 16 of the platform and the support plate 32 on the top side of the platform. The socket plate 30 and the support plate 32 are fastened together using bolts 44 forming the mounting assembly 26 which sandwiches the platform 12. The socket plate 30 defines the spike socket 28. In the present embodiment, the socket plate 30 is fixed to the underside 16 of the platform and the support plate 32 is fixed to the top side 14 of the platform. A female threaded nut forms the spike socket 28 to install the threaded spike 22. The positions of the support plate 32 and the socket plate 30 could be adjusted for manufacturing convenience.

The cushioning material 36 is then applied to the top side 14 of the platform 12. In the preferred embodiment flexible polyurethane foam approximately 2 inches thick and is 15×15 inches square is centered onto the platform with an equal overhang of foam on all sides (approximately ¼″ each per side). The upholstery layer 28 is then applied by wrapping it over the cushioning material and stapling it to the underside 16 of the platform. The upholstery layer is selected from a material onto which the urethane protective cover 34 may be sprayed and bonded. The underside 14 of the platform 12 is preferably covered with a bottom covering 40, which in the preferred embodiment is a vinyl sheet glued down to conceal any staples (not shown) and edge of the upholstery layer 18. The vinyl sheeting also provides a compatible material for the urethane protective cover 34 to bond to.

The preferred protective cover 34 is a spray urethane which is applied to all surfaces to completely cover the base 10 with a seamless coating. The base 10 is then set aside to allow the urethane spray to cure. Once the urethane is cured, the spikes 22 may be threadingly inserted so that they extend from the underside 14 of the platform 12. The preferred spray urethane is a proprietary material manufactured product by Normac Adhesive Products Inc. of Burlington, Ontario, Canada.

In use, the self-anchoring base 10 of the present invention is virtually effortless to install and remove from a playing field. To install the base 10, it is placed on the playing field 20 in the desired location with the anchoring means 18 pointed toward the ground. A user then steps on the base 10 to “sink” the spikes 22 into the playing field 20. The base 10 rests on the surface of the playing field 20 and will resist horizontal forces applied to it. To remove the base 10 from the playing field 20 a user simply lifts the base 10 up off the ground in a vertical direction. The spikes 22 release from the ground. No tools are required for either installation or removal.

A particular advantage of the present invention is that the length of the spikes 22 extending from the underside of the base 10 can be adjusted to allow the base 10 to move horizontally if desired. As discussed above, some sports leagues prefer to use “break away” bases to reduce the risk a player jamming his/her foot or leg when sliding into a base. The present invention can function as a “break away” base in that it is possible to install the base 10 to allow a certain amount of horizontal motion of the base in response to the shear force of a sliding player. The key to this functionality is the depth to which the spikes 22 become embedded in the playing field. A base 10 could be constructed with spikes 22 that are long enough and can be embedded deep enough within the ground to prevent any movement of the base, even in the face of excessive lateral forces. Alternatively, a shorter spike length can be selected to allow base 10 to move somewhat in response to lateral forces. This type of break away base is safer because when the base 10 moves out of the way, there is no anchor or receiver left under the original base position on which the player could be injured. Spikes 22 of different lengths (either custom ordered or sold as an option) can be changed out easily. 

1. A self-anchoring base for use on a playing field comprising: a platform having a top side and an underside, an anchor means comprising two or more spikes fastened to the platform and extending from the underside of the platform for embedded engagement in the playing field; and, wherein the two or more spikes are fastened to the platform by a mounting assembly comprising a socket plate defining a spike socket for each of the two or more spikes and a support plate for attachment to the socket plate sandwiching the platform between the support plate and the socket plate.
 2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. (canceled)
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. The self-anchoring base of claim 1, wherein the support plate is fastened to the socket plate with no reliance on fastening engagement of fasteners with the platform itself.
 12. The self-anchoring base of claim 11, wherein the support plate is fastened to the socket plate by means of bolts which pass through a plurality of holes defined through the platform.
 13. The self-anchoring base of claim 12, wherein the socket plate is positioned on the underside of the platform and the support plate is positioned on the top side of the platform.
 14. The self-anchoring base of claim 13, further comprising a protective cover surrounding the platform and secured to the underside of the platform.
 15. The self-anchoring base of claim 14, further comprising a cushioning material disposed on the top side of the platform under the protective cover.
 16. The self-anchoring base of claim 1, wherein the spikes are removable from the spike sockets.
 17. A self-anchoring base for use on a playing field comprising: a platform having a top side and an underside and an anchor means comprising two or more spikes fastened to the platform and extending from the underside of the platform for embedded engagement in the playing field; a protective cover surrounding the platform and secured to the underside of the platform; and a cushioning material disposed on the top side of the platform under the protective cover.
 18. The self-anchoring base of claim 17, wherein the two or more spikes are fastened to the platform by a mounting assembly comprising a socket plate defining a spike socket for each of the two or more spikes and a support plate for attachment to the socket plate sandwiching the platform between the support plate and the socket plate.
 19. The self-anchoring base of claim 18, wherein the support plate is fastened to the socket plate with no reliance on fastening engagement of fasteners with the platform itself.
 20. The self-anchoring base of claim 19, wherein the support plate is fastened to the socket plate by means of bolts which pass through a plurality of holes defined through the platform.
 21. The self-anchoring base of claim 20, wherein the socket plate is positioned on the underside of the platform and the support plate is positioned on the top side of the platform. 